1996 Chevrolet Corvette

1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Coupe Chevrolet released the Grand Sport version in 1996 to mark the end of production of the C4 Corvette and built just 810 coupes and 190 convertibles and the moniker was a nod to the original Grand Sport model produced in 1963. Along with a unique exterior paint scheme, Grand Sports came with their own unique Vehicle Identification Number sequence, distinct from regular production 1996 Corvettes.   For consignment, a 1996 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport with a title verified 33,705 actual miles. This is car #324 and part of the small but enthusiastic GS world with several dedicated clubs and websites including the Grand Sport Registry where your car will get a birthday shout out based on its build date!    Exterior The GS was available on one distinct exterior configuration which combines Admiral Blue Metallic with a wide white stripe that travels over the hood, over the roof, and onto the deck lid where it cascades over the rear fascia where it is bisected by the license plate and reverse light cove. This design is noteworthy alone, but the added red hash marks on the left fender bring it to the next level of cool. The stripes are a throwback to early racing when stripes would indicate which side had the steering so drivers from different countries would know. The final C4's were more rounded compared to the original cars of the mid 80's, and it creates a seamless, streamlined profile that is still fresh today, nearly 30 years later. GS's also had fantastic 17-inch black wheels for even more visual excitement and our car wears ZR rated tires. Imperfections include some touched up chips, surface scuffs, and a few scratches,  Interior While there were no options on the exterior except for soft or hardtop, the interior allowed for owner to pick black or Torch Red and Black and this car comes with the red, which begins on the door panels where red encircles a black panel and the layers of color translate onto the dash, also split between black and red. The Grand Sport name is embroidered into the red leather bucket seats which shows some wear on the driver's side while the passenger's remains nice, both passengers are secured with matching red seat belts. From the steering wheel forward, it's standard fare for the Corvette which means a speedometer and gauges that arch up to an orange backlit digital readout, all behind black plastic framing. There's a screen of idiot lights to the right and the center stack contains the A/C panel and AM/FM/Cassette & CD stereo which all leads to the center console housing the shifter in a black leather boot, plus r seat controls all at your fingertips and all in very nice condition. Black carpet covers the floor and the targa's headliner shows some slight droop, and the carpeted cargo area is nice.  Drivetrain Under the hood is a red accented LT4 350ci V8 rated at 330 horsepower and the RPO Z16 powerplant was a one year only engine. In the Grand Sport, it is always mated with a ZF 6-speed manual transmission sending power to the back with a 3.45 geared, limited slip differential.  Undercarriage The underside presents as clean with some evidence of road use and some residual oil on the oil and transmission pans. The original exhaust system includes dual exhaust that meet at a resonator, then split again to find factory mufflers and a square tipped exit. Nothing less than power disc brakes front and rear would do for this American icon, and that's what we have here. The race inspired suspension is independent front and rear and comprises aluminum components, a transverse monoleaf spring, stabilizers, and in the rear, U-jointed aluminum driveshafts.   Drive-Ability It's not just another Corvette in our eyes and according to common lore, the 330 horsepower was a conservative rating by GM. This car is indeed fast and in true Corvette fashion, handles as if on rails. The A/C is not working but all other operations work as they sh